Tom Paddock
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| Tom Paddock | |
 |
|
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Real name | Thomas Paddock |
| Nickname(s) | Redditch Needlepointer |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 10.5 in (1.79 m) |
| Nationality |  British |
| Birth date | 1822 |
| Birth place | Redditch, Worcestershire |
| Death date | June 30, 1863 |
| Death place | Marylebone, London |
| Stance | |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 15 |
| Wins | 10 |
| Wins by KO | Not known |
| Losses | 5 |
Tom Paddock, born Thomas Paddock (c. 1822, Redditch – June 30, 1863) also known as the Redditch Needlepointer was a champion British bare-knuckle boxer in the early Victorian era.[1]
Tom was baptised on August 25 1822 in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, the son of George Paddock and Elizabeth (née Morris).[2] Brought up on a farm, he was noted to have developed a size and endurance that lasted him well in his career as a boxer.[1]
His professional career in boxing started in 1844; at the time he was just under six feet tall and weighed twelve stone. Between then and 1850 he was largely undefeated in the boxing ring, and gained a reputation not only for his courageousness but for his foul tactics and uncontrollable temper.[1] It was William Thompson of Nottingham who spoilt his clean record in 1850 in Mildenhall, Suffolk.[3]
In 1851 a fight against Harry Poulson in Belper ended in a riot when both men were jailed. Both served ten months hard labour.[3]
Three years later Paddock challenged both Harry Broome and Bill Perry to a Heavyweight Championship of England bout but both turned it down. Paddock then claimed himself as the Heavyweight Champion of England by default,[3] though this wasn't generally recognised until 1856 following fifty one rounds in the ring against Harry Broome in Manningtree.[4] However his victory was short lived; he lost the title later the same year to Bill Perry.[1] He attempted to regain the title twice but never actually managed it.[3]
Paddock's last fight took place in 1860.[3] He died of heart disease on 30th June 1863 in Marylebone.[1][5]
